Nigeria is making significant strides in the technology sector by developing its first artificial intelligence (AI) project, led by the local startup Awarri. This initiative is not only a technological milestone but also a major employment opportunity, as Awarri has recruited over 600 fellows from the federal government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program to work as data collectors in creating a large language multilingual model (LLM).
Job Creation in Tech
Bosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, emphasized the Nigerian government’s dedication to fostering job creation in the tech sector. In an announcement on July 24, Tijani highlighted the rapid expansion of the Awarri team and reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating jobs for the 3MTT fellows. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to create a million tech jobs within the first two years of his administration.
The 3MTT program started with 30,000 Nigerians, representing 1% of the three million target, and has now grown to 270,000 participants in its second cohort. The successful placement of many fellows from the first cohort into internship roles across the country is a testament to the program’s effectiveness.
I’m glad to see the growth of the @awarritech team since launch in November 2023 to 120 staff, with an additional engagement of over 500 fellows from our @3MTTNigeria programme as data collectors, as they build Nigeria’s first Large Language Multilingual Model.
Looking forward… https://t.co/HPAZQdQZ8Q
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) July 24, 2024
Awarri’s Role in Nigeria’s AI Growth
Awarri, which initially began with 120 AI jobs, has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive technology company. It offers a full-stack service that includes data gathering, model creation, and AI application development. The startup’s mission aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader goals to position the country as a significant player in the global AI landscape.
The LLM developed by Awarri is set to be a landmark in Nigeria’s AI capabilities. Officially launched by Tijani at the end of a four-day AI workshop in Abuja in April, this project is a collaborative effort involving Awarritech, DataDotOrg, the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the National Centre for AI and Robotics. The model aims to enhance language representation in existing data sets by being trained in five low-resource languages and accented English, ensuring inclusivity and broad applicability.
Future Prospects
As Nigeria continues to build its technology workforce, the country is poised to emerge as a key player in the global digital economy. Leveraging local talent to drive innovation and economic growth, Nigeria’s AI initiative not only aims to boost technological advancements but also to create substantial employment opportunities in the tech sector.
